Handmade Gold Flutes

Innovative new Handmade gold flute

After 20 years of continuous development, Yamaha has succeeded in creating a new, innovative lineup of Handmade flutes.
Designed in consultation with András Adorján, professor of flute at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, the new Yamaha Handmade flute lineup allows performers to play with a wider range of expression and with the freedom to create their own unique tonal colors.
The Yamaha 900-series flutes are crafted out of 14k gold for a deep yet focused tone that projects well. To help any flutist find the instrument that is ideal for their playing style and musical preferences, a number of different combinations of materials and key options are available.

Features

Product Image

New “Type A” headjoint

The new Yamaha “Type A” headjoint enables the flutist to produce an easy yet colorful sound and still play using a wide dynamic range. Indeed, the “Type A” headjoint has been praised by many players for its “clear sound, which is distinctive even at pianissimo.” Among the improvements to the new “Type A” headjoint is a slightly increased wall thickness that greatly improves the resonance of the headjoint and maximizes the tonal colors available for the performer.

Straubinger pads

Straubinger pads, which are made using a stable plastic base and durable synthetic leather, have been widely adopted as essential components of a high quality Handmade flute. Compared to traditional felt and paper pads that require frequent adjustments, Straubinger pads are more tolerant of environmental change and remain in top playing condition for a longer period of time. A Yamaha Handmade flute with Straubinger pads enables the player to achieve a clear response with a more mature, nuanced sound.

Flat pad cups

Flattened pad cups provide better stability than more traditional-style pad cups. Pad positions can be adjusted more easily and stabilized for a longer length of time when the pad is seated in a flat pad cup. Because the pad is more stable, it is also able to respond more freely, creating a rich and desirable resonance.

Pinless left-hand key system (In-line, ring key models only)

The high F-F# key movement is improved and much smoother due to a newly developed and innovative pinless left-hand key system.

Consistent lever position for C# and D# keys between C and B foot joints.

For players who require the use of both a C and B foot joint, Yamaha has unified the design of the C# and D# keys so that pinky finger movements are consistent with either foot joint. Flutists are now able to accurately achieve the precise technique required for playing with the right hand pinky finger, no matter if using a C or B foot joint.

Technology

Audio & Video

András Adorján – and the new generation of Yamaha Handmade Flutes

Mathieu Dufour talks about his career and Yamaha hand-made flutes

Product Lineup

Handmade Gold

Model

Toneholes

Key Types

Key Systems

Split E Mechanism

Case

Case Bag

YFL-917

Soldered and Undercut

Covered Keys

Offset G

Included

FLC-97CL

FLB-95Ⅱ

YFL-977

Ring Keys

Included

FLC-97CS

YFL-987

In-line

-

YFL-997

Included

All models are available with a B footjoint; add H to the model number when ordering.

Material Combination for Gold Flutes

Model Type

A Type

B Type

C Type

Body, Head &Footjoint

Gold 14k

Gold 14k

Gold 14k

Rings, Posts & Ribs

Silver

Gold 14k

Gold 14k

Key Mechanism

Silver

Silver

Gold 14k

14k can be upgraded to 18k as an optional extra.
Yamaha Handmade gold flutes are unplated for a beautiful natural appearance and a full-bodied tonal resonance.

Toneholes

Soldered and Undercut

Soldered toneholes with undercut inner edges give a strong sound with a lot of 'life' in the tone.

Key Types

Covered Keys

Ring (French) Keys

Covered (or Plateau) keys are easy to use. The pad cup is covered so it will seal the tonehole any time the key is closed. This is common with beginners or others who may not always press the center of the key.

Many advanced players prefer the open feel of Ring keys for subtle control of their tone. Intermediate and Standard model French system flutes come with key plugs to seal the hole until players have become adept at covering the holes with their fingers.

Key Systems

In-line

Offset G

Many players find the Offset G configuration easier to play. Often teachers recommend that beginners start on these flutes, while more and more advanced players are also choosing this natural feeling configuration. Many advanced students and professionals, though, still prefer the traditional In-line formation where all the toneholes are in a straight row.

Split E Mechanism

This key helps give more stability and better centered intonation to the high E.

Footjoints

B Footjoint

C Footjoint

The B footjoint has an extra key enabling the player to play 1/2 step lower than the lowest note of the C foot. It also affects the sound; B footjoint enables a darker, stronger sound with good projection, while C footjoint has flexible, warmer tone.

Options

Mechanical Option

C# Trill Key

An additional lever and tonehole which are useful for B to C# trills, but can also be used to facilitate a number of other trills and tremolos.

G/A Trill Key

This aids in trilling from G to A.

G# Open

Removing G# tonehole enables better intonation of high E, even without a Split E Mechanism.

Clutch E Mechanism

A switch allowing players to turn on or off the Split E mechanism as desired.

C# and D# Rollers

Rollers on the key levers to facilitate finger movements.

Pad

Traditional Pad

Traditional pad, which has been adopted as a standard for many years, is also available instead of Straubinger Pad.

Sterling Silver

Material

Gold Crown (only available for Gold)

An optional gold crown for C Type flutes is available by special order.

14k Lip Plate and Riser (only available for Silver)

Deeper sound is available with the optional gold lip plate and riser.

Engraving

Yamaha's optional engraving is hand carved with unmatchable skill and care. The traditional Japanese engraving technique used has been passed done from father to son for many generations, making these flutes true works of art.